Griffith Halliwell, Earl of Pendlebury is a rakehell with two passions—thoroughbred horse breeding and blondes. Lady Susan Crompton is a raven-haired, crusading bluestocking appalled by Halliwell's neglect of his impoverished tenants. Griff thinks members of the fair sex are useful only as mistresses. The two meet & immediately horns are locked & sparks fly.
I love a determined bluestocking falling in love & I love a rake of the first order being tamed, so from the start this book was right up my street. This is the second book in this riveting series & Gabe & Emma feature as Susan is the sister of Emma’s first husband. Susan wants to put Griff in his place so buys the stallion Griff wants. They both devise a plan but they didn’t account for their feelings. The verbal banter is hugely entertaining, the attraction is electric, throw in some intrigue & I was a very happy read who read this engrossing read in two sittings
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Who doesn't love a story about bluestockings and redeemed rogues? I know I love them.

I am enjoying this second foray into Anna Markland's writing. Her characters seem well written, with relatable vulnerability. On saying that, the Earl of this story did seem quite the arrogant rake, and I was tending to dislike him at first, especially when he seemed so sure about seducing Susan into getting his way. He came off as quite the selfish ass for a bit, but did become more endearing in the end. It was nice to see the hero and heroine's developing respect and attraction for each other.

A villain from the first book shows up again, which I suspected may happen at some future point as that story line seemed a bit unfinished, and it added the drama and suspense to the plot. It was nice to see a cross over of characters and some of the plot from the previous book in the series as well, and some further development of characters/relationships. There was also a rather satisfactory life-saving event, and another very sweet wedding as well. Also, more dogs, and horses... and I love anything that involves dogs and other animals. Also, some rather interesting thoughts and discussions of manly bits again... and horsely bits. But less swooning this time over the same.

Again, the attention to history and detail was enjoyable, and how it added to the story and the original conflict with the hero and heroine. I look forward to seeing some progression of that in the background of the next story. The author, at the end of this, stated it would be Patsy's story, who is the child of the main characters of the first novel, so I presume that it is set at least 10 years or more in the future, to make of her marriageable age.

All in all, an enjoyable read. Though I do quibble about the use of the term "twerp" in the 1810s. She's not altogether wrong in describing the man as such, but still...

I also did receive this as an ARC from NetGalley.

Earl Griffith Halliwell hit the London society, and played hard after the death of his parents. He has a passion for breeding racehorses and a reputation as a rake. Now he is being called back because there is trouble on his ancestral lands. What he finds makes him re-evaluate his life.

Lady Susan Crompton has resigned herself to being the maiden aunt, looking after other people's children. Because she's a bluestocking who is well known for her radical views, no man will put up with that. A new cause has her up in arms and determined to see justice done.

This historical romance is lots of fun, with fabulous characters. There is danger and a heroic rescue, but maybe not the way you would expect. All with a wonderful horse at the center of the story.

This is part of a series, and while you can easily read each book on it's own, as a series they are best read in order.

Great fun.

Bluestocking, Susan, is appalled at rakehell Griff’s behavior and sets out to teach him a lesson. I did find it hard to believe that a womanizing rake who wasn’t aware that his tenants were starving could be reformed in such a short time. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

There is nothing I love more than a bad boy falling in love. Pair him with a strong female who isn’t afraid of the bad boy — and I am very happy!!

Wild Earl Chase is Book Two in Author Anna Markland series “Earls are Wild” and is only my second book read by this author. The story is set in the early 1800’s and for the most part it takes place in Lancashire which is located in NW England. The leading couple in this story is Earl Griffith Halliwell and Lady Susan Crompton. Although the story is a standalone romance I think you get more background if you read book one of the series as well. There is quite a bit of overlap between the stories and I likely would have had some confusion had I not read book one.

A rakehell meets a crusading bluestocking. Sparks will fly.

Earl Griffith Halliwell is a rakehell with two passions—thoroughbred horse breeding and blondes. Lady Susan Crompton is a raven-haired, crusading bluestocking appalled by Halliwell's neglect of his impoverished tenants. Griff thinks members of the fair sex are useful only as mistresses.

Susan scorns all things masculine and resents the power men have over women. Sparks fly when they clash.


A really great book following a rakehell and a bluestocking lady. An enemies to lovers trope - can a rake ever be faithful and can Susan look past Griffith’s history? Are the emotions real or contrived between Susan & Griff? She has something he wants more than anything. Now Griff just had to figure out if it’s the coveted Stallion Susan purchased that he wants or does he want her heart more? Are there other forces at play that may take Griff & Susan’s HEA away before the two admit their feelings?

🔥The chemistry between Susan & Griffith is pretty hot.🔥 While the author doesn’t go into great detail there is enough details given and playful moments between the two that raises the heat level.
Susan is a spinster by society standards and Griffith is a rake - he takes on the role of master sex educator and Susan is a very willing student!!

I loved seeing the characters from book one Every Earl Has a Silver Lining — Emma & Gabriel; it was nice seeing them continuing to get their HEA. What I didn’t enjoy was the created drama during the story. Yes, I understand stories need to follow a plot arc but this conflict which brought characters from book one into play just felt forced. There was also another conflict that occurs which didn’t ever feel fully resolved. I would have liked to get into the heads of both MCs a little more, there were quite a few mentions of the past and how the past shaped the MCs but we don’t get to see the resolution or how the characters work through their issues.

Overall, I love this trope. The supporting characters were great. The ending was satisfying. I will be eager to read the next book in the series to see if some loose ends are tied up.

4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A rake and a bluestocking always make the best lovers and some great excitement. Susan and Griff were perfect for one another after they started spending time together. Determined only to get each other's way, they got each other instead. Characters were well-written and very likable. I already liked Susan from book one. This book can be read alone and without the feeling you are missing out because Anna Markland did a good job of filling in that information when needed. I have enjoyed this series and look forward to reading the next book in the series.